ScreenSkills launches free online module to tackle unconscious bias

This online module from ScreenSkills is designed to help you understand what unconscious bias is, how it might manifest itself at work and how to challenge your assumptions to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

People working in the screen industries are in the privileged position of making content that reflects the experiences and shapes the thinking of our audiences. If our unconscious biases go unchecked, we are at risk of only working with people like us and limiting the influence of people from other backgrounds. This impacts on what our audiences experience on screen, and also whether our industry is viewed as an accessible and attractive place to work.

Raising awareness of our unconscious biases helps reduce their impact, however it does not eliminate them. This module explores theory as well as strategies to help tackle its impact at work. Staying alert to our unconscious biases is an ongoing process that might involve refreshing or extending our awareness on a regular basis via continued development opportunities.

There’s no charge for taking this module. It’s been funded by: the BFI, awarding National Lottery funds as part of its Future Film Skills strategy, the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund, with contributions from high-end television productions, and the ScreenSkills Television Skills Funds, with contributions from the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5. Arts Council England also supported the launch of the online learning platform.

This module is recommended for anyone who is currently working, or thinking of working, in the UK screen industries, which include film, TV, animation, visual effects (VFX) and games.

You can learn more about the assessment process and take the module here.